New-to-Medicare Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you are new to Medicare or about to become eligible, the Frequently Asked Questions below may provide you with the information you need. We have also compiled a list of online resources to point you in the right direction.

2. If I am eligible for Medicare, how do I enroll?

If you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you may be automatically enrolled. If you are automatically enrolled, you don’t need to pay a premium for Part A. For more information about automatic enrollment, see Medicare Enrollment or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

If you are not automatically enrolled, you can enroll by calling Social Security.

Note: Medicare Part C refers to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. An MA plan is an alternative to Original fee-for-service Medicare. MA plans are sponsored by Medicare, which pays private insurance companies to provide health services to beneficiaries who enroll in these plans. For more information, see Medicare Advantage.

6. Why do some people delay enrollment in a Medicare Part D plan?

If you have creditable prescription drug coverage (meaning it is as good as or better than the standard Medicare Part D drug benefit), you may decide not to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan or to enroll later. For example, if you have the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits or TRICARE for Life, you have creditable prescription drug coverage. To find out more about Medicare Part D and enrollment options, see Prescription Drugs (Medicare Part D).

7. Since Medicare doesn’t cover all my health care costs, how can I supplement Medicare?

Most people supplement Medicare with some other form of coverage, such as a Medigap plan, retiree plan, Medi-Cal (if they have low income and assets), or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits (if they qualify). Others receive Medicare through private health plans called Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. To learn about the different ways to supplement Medicare, see our sections on Medicare & Other Health Insurance, Low-Income Help, Medigap and Medicare Advantage.

We also offer consultation services and custom designed trainings on Medicare coverage, ways to supplement it, options for employers and unions who provide health care coverage for employees and/or retirees, and more. Contact us at 916-231-5110. See Education.

1-800-772-1213
Information on Medicare eligibility and enrollment, eligibility and application for Extra Help, Social Security benefits, change of address for Medicare or Social Security, and lost Medicare card replacements.